This page contains classes that could be of interest to people interested in: Keep Scrolling!

* Real Estate
* Business
* Elder Law
* Health Insurance
* Careers - Career Assessment, Resumes, Interviews, LinkedIn, Job Search Techniques
* Selling on eBay
* Social Media - FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn
* Journalism 101
* Voice-Overs
* Home Staging

Scroll down. The classes are NOT listed in chronological order.

Also check out the computer / technology section for the Microsoft Office (Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Windows), iPhone, iPad, Websites, Photoshop Elements, Cyber Security, and Google Docs classes.


Elder Law Seminars


Elder Law: Protect Your Assets as You Age
Anyone can require long-term care as we age, and it can be financially ruinous. Learn how to protect your home and life’s savings from Medicaid (Title 19) in case you need long-term care. Elder Law attorneys Thomas E. Murphy and Michele F. Murphy of Danbury will address these urgent questions: If I don’t plan, what will Medicaid take? How can I protect my assets and still keep control over them? How can a trust protect my assets? How can I get income from Veterans Affairs? How can I avoid probate? Preserve your life’s savings and lifestyle, and protect your assets as you age. Attorneys Murphy explain using trusts and other techniques to protect your assets and income and qualify for Medicaid benefits (for home care, assisted living, or nursing home), VA Aid and Attendance pension (up to $2,431/month) and Probate Avoidance through Revocable Living Trusts. Attorney Thomas E. Murphy received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a career in corporate management. He then graduated cum laude from Pace University School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree and a Certificate in Health Law and Policy. Attorney Michele F. Murphy, RN, MSN earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, her Master of Science in Nursing from Yale University, and her Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law. Both Attorneys Murphy are also accredited attorneys with Veterans Affairs.

Attorney Thomas E. Murphy received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a career in corporate management. He then graduated cum laude from Pace University School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree and a Certificate in Health Law and Policy. Attorney Michele F. Murphy, RN, MSN earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, her Master of Science in Nursing from Yale University, and her Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law. Both Attorneys Murphy are also accredited attorneys with Veterans Affairs.

1 Session (90 Minutes) $ 29 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 25) - Ask about care giver / family member discount when you register.
Wed., 10/12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Zoom


Protect Yourself with Trusts! Asset Protection Trusts and Revocable Living Trusts
Protect your assets, avoid probate and taxes, and preserve your quality of life. Asset Protection Trusts protect your resources from long term care. Revocable Living Trusts avoid probate and conservatorship. Retirement Plan Trusts protect your children if they get divorced or sued. Trusts give you protection and control. You say what goes in, what comes out, and who does what. Plan and protect! Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: comparison of Revocable Living Trusts and Irrevocable Trusts, pros and cons of probate, Medicaid and VA Aid & Attendance payment of long term care, the mechanics of how trusts work, and new laws regarding Powers of Attorney.

Attorney Thomas E. Murphy received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a career in corporate management. He then graduated cum laude from Pace University School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree and a Certificate in Health Law and Policy. Attorney Michele F. Murphy, RN, MSN earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, her Master of Science in Nursing from Yale University, and her Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law. Both Attorneys Murphy are also accredited attorneys with Veterans Affairs.

Let them show you the safe way to protect your life’s savings!

1 Session (90 Minutes) $ 29 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 25) - Ask about care giver / family member discount when you register.
Wed., 11/16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Zoom


Health Insurance


Maximize Your Health Insurance
Learn the basics of health insurance literacy (HIL) to help navigate the health insurance landscape and get the most out of your health insurance plan. Whether you get your health insurance through an employer or the health insurance exchange, you can learn to be an active consumer of your health insurance and maximize your coverage. The course will review how the health insurance industry works, identify best practices you can put into action right away and cover top five HIL skill sets:

• Health insurance terms & concepts
• How to understand what your plan covers
• How to choose a health plan
• Navigate tools and resources
• Managing your claims questions

Instructor William Pokluda is a certified benefits professional (CEBS) with over 30 years of experience managing corporate benefits and working in the insurance industry. William has proven /demonstrated experience working with employees and their families helping them learn about and get the most from their health insurance. A recommended, but optional book, Maximize Your Health Insurance, Keep more money in your pocket may be purchased for $6 at class.

1 Session (90 Minutes) $ 29 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 25) + $ 6 optional book
Wed., 10/26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at East Ridge Middle School


Real Estate

Real Estate Principles & Practices
This course meets the minimum requirements as set forth by the Connecticut Real Estate Commission and Department of Consumer Protection for application to take the sales associate exam. Students must attend 60 hours of class (20 sessions) per the State of Connecticut regulations. We are offering 66 hours, including a review.

Instructors:
* Terry Hastings has taught Real Estate Principles and Practices in Ridgefield for over ten years. He is now with Total Mortgage Services, LLC. In 2014 he received the Five Star Mortgage Professional Award from Connecticut Magazine. He was previously with Hamilton Ladd Home Loans and has over 20 years prior experience in Real Estate sales and management with Weichert, Realtors and Prudential, Fitzgerald & Hastings.
* Lonnie Shapiro, GRI, CRS, Ridgefield REALTOR® for over 30 years, now with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Ridgefield, is co-author of the Connecticut issue of How to Make Your REALTOR® Get You the Best Deal.
* John Queenan is the Ridgefield Brokerage Manager at William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty. He has earned the 5 Star Realtor award for the past 10 years. He has taught this course many times in the past and has extensive experience in real estate and consultative selling. Additionally, he is a SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist).
* Laurie Costa-Mendez is a Ridgefield REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Ridgefield; she was previously in sales and marketing with Marriott Corporation.
* Barry London is the Branch Manager and a Ridgefield REALTOR® with Howand Hanna Rand Realty's Ridgefield Office.

22 Sessions $ 485 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 421) price includes both texts

Starts Wednesday, September 28, 2022. Weather/make ups added to the schedule if needed (and noted below).

Mondays: 10/3, 17, 24; 11/7, 14, 21, 28 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Please keep 12/5 open for a weather makeup, if needed.
Wednesdays: 9/28; 10/12, 19, 26; 11/2, 9, 16, 30 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Please keep 12/7 open for a weather makeup, if needed.
Thursdays: 9/29; 10/13, 20, 27; 11/3, 11/17 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Please keep 12/1, 8 open for a weather makeup, if needed.
Review Session: will use one of the makeup dates - 12/1, 5, 7, 8.

Please phone (203) 431-2812 or email ridgefieldcontinuingeducation@gmail.com for information or to register.

Want to Teach Real Estate?
Real Estate brokers, sales people, property inspectors, and appraisers - join our veteran instructors in teaching real estate to prospective sales people - Please call (203) 431-2812 or email ridgefieldcontinuingeducation@gmail.com for information.

Real Estate Brokers License

In order to qualify for a Connecticut Broker license, the Connecticut Real Estate Commission requirements are as listed at https://www.ct.gov/dcp/site/default.asp Then click on Licenses for details. Both applicant for the Sales Associate Exam and the Broker Exam must complete the 60 hour class listed above.

The next session starts in September 2022. Please phone (203) 431-2812 or email ridgefieldcontinuingeducation@gmail.com for information or to register.


Career Assements / Job Search ~ One on One Sessions


Career Assessments One on One Workshop
Do you want to start something new? The Career Assessments One on One Workshop, available on Zoom, helps you clarify and prioritize what most interests you, and might suit your type, interests, talents, strengths and skills. In the session, assessments will be provided based upon: Myers-Briggs Type, Holland Type, Values, Skills Card Sorts, Fields of Interests, and questions from NYU Career Coaching classes. Instructor Linda Keefer has completed the course work for NYU’s Career Assessment and Development Certificate. She currently works privately with individuals on career assessments. She also attended the four day LifeLaunch program at The Hudson Institute in Santa Barbara, California. There may be other career assessment fees if participants want to take optional additional assessments.

1 Session $ 100
Available on many Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. Other days/times can be scheduled. Please call (203) 431-2812 or email ridgefieldcontinuingeducation@gmail.com to schedule.


Resume Assistance
This one on one session focuses on how to analyze your background and job history to determine the resume format that best highlights your accomplishments and skills. We also discuss what should be in your cover letter - who should it go to - how should you follow up. Instructor Glenna McNally has over 30 years experience in Executive Recruiting and Human Resources Consulting and is owner of GM Career.

1 Session $ 50
Register for one specific date listed below. Other days/times can be scheduled. Please call (203) 431-2812 or email ridgefieldcontinuingeducation@gmail.com to schedule.

Fri., 9/23 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 9/30 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 10/14 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 10/21 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 10/28 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 11/4 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 11/18 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 12/9 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 12/16 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 1/13 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 1/20 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 2/3 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 2/10 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom


Job Search and Interview Techniques ~ 1 on 1
Covers topics such as: Identifying your target job market -- companies where your background fits -- how to contact and follow up -- thinking outside of that box -- cover letters -- interviewing skills -- (including one on one practice) -- who is in your network -- how can you broaden that network -- how NOT to rely solely on the internet. Instructor Glenna McNally has over 30 years experience in Executive Recruiting and Human Resources Consulting and is owner of GM Career.

1 Session $ 50
Register for one specific date listed below. Other days/times can be scheduled. Please call (203) 431-2812 or email ridgefieldcontinuingeducation@gmail.com to schedule.

Fri., 9/23 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 9/30 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 10/14 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 10/21 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 10/28 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 11/4 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 11/18 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 12/9 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 12/16 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 1/13 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 1/20 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 2/3 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
Fri., 2/10 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Zoom


Social Networks, LinkedIn One on One Session


Introduction to LinkedIn - 1 on 1 Course (1 hour)
Lance Whitney takes you through the steps to create a LinkedIn profile that will promote your professional achievements. Whether you already have a profile that you started but never completed or you need to create one from scratch, you will learn how to add the right details to look your best. Beyond setting up your profile, you will learn how to build your network, connect with other professionals, post updates, ask for recommendations, and join specialized groups. Lance Whitney is a technology journalist and the author of the book Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn. He has also written a book on Windows 8. He currently writes for TechRepublic, ZDNet, PCMag, and other technology sites. Previously, he was a system administrator with Ciba Specialty Chemicals. He's taught a variety of continuing education courses at Ridgefield Continuing Education for several years.

1 Session $ 50
Available many Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m. on Zoom. Other days/times can be scheduled. Please call (203) 431-2812 or email ridgefieldcontinuingeducation@gmail.com to schedule.


Using Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter Group Class . . .
Prerequisite: Basic computer and Internet skills. Sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter let you connect to and network with other people, both personally and professionally. Learn what these sites offer, how to set up your accounts and profiles, how to promote yourself, and how to join groups and contribute to virtual communities. Lance Whitney is a technology journalist and the author of the book Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn. He has also written a book on Windows 8. He currently writes for TechRepublic, ZDNet, PCMag, and other technology sites. Previously, he was a system administrator with Ciba Specialty Chemicals. He's taught a variety of continuing education courses at Ridgefield Continuing Education for several years.

For Using Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter . . dates - click Internet, Social Media, Google.


eBay ~ Day and Evening


Buying and Selling On eBay
Prerequisite: Basic computer and Internet skills. Class 1 will cover all the basic information about eBay: setting up an account, understanding all the terms used, reviewing eBay fees, and purchasing items. Class 2 will focus on selling: evaluating your own items, determining the starting price, and shipping. Instructor Eileen Burton will bring in her own item to demonstrate the actual process of selling by putting it up for sale on eBay. She has taught numerous classes about eBay using experience gained from selling items there from her collectibles business. She also shares her years of extensive experience by teaching courses in iPhone, iPad, genealogy and related subjects.

For Buying and Selling on eBay dates - click eBay.


How to Sell Items on eBay
You have used or collectible items that you'd like to try selling through eBay but aren't sure how to get started. This class can help. You'll learn how to set up accounts with eBay and PayPal and how to price and prepare the right items for sale. You'll also discover how to list your items to increase your chances of a sale, how to work with buyers, how to ship your items, and how to deal with any problems that arise. Technology journalist and eBay seller Lance Whitney will show you the tricks and techniques for successful selling on eBay. Lance Whitney is a technology journalist and the author of the book Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn. He has also written a book on Windows 8. He currently writes for TechRepublic, ZDNet, PCMag, and other technology sites. Previously, he was a system administrator with Ciba Specialty Chemicals. He's taught a variety of continuing education courses at Ridgefield Continuing Education for several years.

For How to Sell Items on eBay dates - click eBay.


Journalism


Journalism 101
Do you have what it takes to be a journalist? Learn everything there is to know about writing for newspapers, such as writing breaking news, features, profiles, business stories, and how to cover live events and meetings. Learn how to write on deadline. Both in-class and out-of-class assignments will be given. We will share our writing with our peers and give feedback. We will find news topics, go outside and interview people, and write up stories -- during the class. Get practical suggestions on how to find freelance writing jobs and how to write press releases to promote your business. Instructor Sandra Diamond Fox is the editor of the Ridgefield Press and the New Milford Spectrum and is a contributor to the News Times. She has written for newspapers for almost 20 years, on a wide variety of topics throughout Fairfield County and beyond.

For Journalism 101 dates - click Writing.


Voice-Overs


Voice-Overs . . . NOW is YOUR Time!
In what could be the most enlightening ONLINE class you have ever taken, our instructor and professional voice coach will show you how you can actually begin using your speaking voice for commercials, films, videos, and more. Most people go about it the wrong way. In this introductory class, you will learn about a unique, outside the box way to break into this creative, fulfilling, and potentially lucrative industry. Voice-overs can be managed on your own terms, on your own turf, in your own time, and with minimal overhead! Whether you choose to pursue voice-overs part-time or full-time, this could be the game changer you have been looking for. In addition to online instruction, you will be given the opportunity to book a 1-on-1 script read and voice evaluation via telephone with your instructor for the following day. This class will be presented via Zoom, you will receive a link the 24 hours prior to the class.

Instructor Hannah Trusty has been behind the mic since early high school, performing in an array of different roles in animation, commercial, and narration. Some of her most recent clients have included Toyota, Slice App, Decathlon, Campus Outreach, Take Back the Night Foundation, Education First, and many more! When she's not working on new voice-over projects, she's out adventuring with her dog Mabel, binging a new show, or training for her next triathlon.

For Voice-Overs . . . NOW is YOUR Time! dates - click Writing.


Home Staging, Decor, Feng Shui


Please see the Interiors, Decor, Staging, Organizing, Downsizing, Remodeling, Building, and Antiques section.


QuickBooks and Other Accounting Software

Accounting Software ~ Online

QuickBooks for Windows and other software
Accounting software classes available online include: numerous versions of QuickBooks, classes in QuickBooks Payroll and QuickBooks for Contractors. Visit ed2go.com/ridgefield